Supper On The Slopes: 8 New Ski Resort Restaurants

If your ideal trip to the slopes involves carving powder by day and bison steaks (or beef tenderloin, or lamb chops, or…) by night, then put your board down for a sec and take note of these eight new restos opening this season at (and around) North America’s top ski resorts.

El SaborWhere:Vail, COSpecializes in: Mexican food with a twist of El Salvador; tequilaWhy you’ll want to go: El Sabor’s location (across from the gondola at Lionshead) is killer, and the bar stocks close to 50 tequilas, which should warm the cockles enough for another run. Dig into the Mahi Mahi fish tacos, Miguel’s chicken enchiladas, or the Kitchen Sink Burrito, which receives the designation “Gringo Option” and is packed with camitas, asadero cheese, and Spanish special sauce.

The LakefrontWhere:Mammoth, CASpecializes in: Elk and venison; hot alcoholic beveragesWhy you’ll want to go: Located in Tamarack Lodge a short distance from the slopes, the recently revamped Lakefront boasts a new chef and menu that’ve been receiving rave reviews. Elk steaks and deer meat tenderloins sound good? Washed down with homemade cider or hot mulled wine? Yes? Good. You’re in the right place.

Sixth Alley BarWhere: Keystone, COSpecializes in: Traditional bar food; beer and specialty cocktailsWhy you’ll want to go: Arapahoe Basin tossed a million bucks into the remodel of its base lodge and the Sixth Alley Bar within, and hopes to turn up the party quotient this season. Famous for its Bacon Bloody Mary, SAB also slings tasty pub fare and runs wacky specials like $1.50 Friday tacos, a Saturday raw bar, and $3.50 wine Wednesdays that include complementary artichoke dip when you buy a bottle of vino (‘cause the two just go hand in hand, right?).

Seven SummitsWhere:Snowbird, UTSpecializes in: Gourmet lunch buffet; wines and liquorsWhy you’ll want to go: Open to the public for the first time this season (December 20th), this formerly members-only upscale spot sits in a primo location at Snowbird Center, one level down from where the tram loads. You’ll need more than a handful of crumpled Wet Ones from your parka, as the lunch buffet will cost you $30, but rocks everything from roast beef tenderloin w/ Bernaise sauce and Miso glazed salmon, to baby lamb chops.